Cozy ideas for fall decor
Putting the high temps, beach days, and grills begrudgingly in our rearview mirror, we’ve said “goodbye” to summer. Iced teas give way to pumpkin drinks and layering items for warmth has returned to our daily dress. h With these seasonal swaps, it’s time to also move our home into the months ahead. While it’s tempting to fall into overkill pumpkin décor (everyone loves a mini-gourd display), it’s possible to instead employ subtle touches to visually warm the space during the chillier months. h We asked a few experts on how to transition your home décor from summer to fall. Here are some expert-approved fall décor ideas to get your home ready for the new season.
1. Decorate with warm and neutral tones for a cozy feel
“When I’m decorating for a season, I prefer not to go too heavy on a theme. You don’t want your house to look like a Hobby Lobby vignette,” warns Paula Blankenship, founder and president of Heirloom Traditions Paint. “I prefer to use colors to transition the feel of my home from season-to-season versus themed items. As I’m transitioning from summer to fall, I’m using spicy, earthy, warm tones in things like pillows, throws and rugs versus sitting a bunch of pumpkins on my table.”
Of all the fall décor ideas, adapting your interior color palette to meet the needs of the season by mixing cool, crisp whites with earthy tones and warmer shades, like the Tuspa Easy Care Rug from West Elm.
“Yellows, oranges, reds, browns, and pops of green are all wonderful bases to build a fall cozy nest out of,” says Véra Kempf, cofounder of Singulart. They also pair brilliantly with copper-, goldand brass-toned items.
West Elm
2. Use textures to add depth to the room
While the summer is all about breezy feels and light fabrics, adding thicker, cozier textures will help bring a fall vibe to your interior, according to Kempf. Think wool, velvet, real or faux leather and wood.
And if you’re willing to invest, you can do so in a beautiful, significant piece of furniture like a touchable couch. “You can also take this tip and apply it to interior décor pieces like wooden shelves, fluffy rugs, and soft cushions.”
Other textures, like The Citizenry’s Sheepskin throw, is a great way to add texture and warmth to any room, shares Eunice Weckesser of Wave and Woven Style House in Boston.
She suggests draping them over your couch, but don’t discount placing them on the floor as a quick and easy warm-up for a bare spot.
$95 at The Citizenry
3. Experiment with a floor lamp
As days grow shorter and daylight dims, combining light sources at different levels of the room, like with a floor lamp like West Elm’s Sculptural Overarching Fabric Cone Floor Lamp, helps create a warmer, brighter atmosphere.
“Fall is your chance to experiment with different light fixtures,” says Kempf. “Take time to curate a selection, from pendants and chandeliers to floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces.”
Also play with strategically placed mirrors, which will help bounce light. And don’t forget candles for the perfect mood lighting, updating scents to spicier and deeper scents with woody, spicy, gourmand ingredients and rich, warmer tones.
$255 at West Elm
4. Create a cozy reading space
Kempf loves trading in an outdoor hammock for a cushioned locale for her favorite page-turner.
“I’m an avid reader all year, but nothing says fall quite like a cozy reading spot you’ll want to curl up on when days get chillier,” she explains.
For your home, this could translate to a new bookcase, an inviting couch or an armchair, a nice coffee table, and, of course, the right light to fall over you. A cozy chair like the Yaheetech Leather Armchair invites you to snuggle up with a good book. And don’t forget to plop down a woven basket filled with fluffy, rolled blankets next to the sitting area.
$275 at Amazon
5. Curved lines are in
When it comes to fall décor ideas, a huge trend this season is curved lines and furniture, and Kempf says it’s for good reason. “Rounded corners, soft edges, and arched shapes are all great ways to make your home feel cozier and more inviting for the great fall days ahead.”
Look into investing in pieces of furniture with silhouettes that set a soft tone in shape like the Safavieh Couture Primrose Glam Light Blue Velvet Curved Sofa.
$1,240 at Amazon
6. Swap out your pillows for something more seasonal
Pillows are an easy refresh for any décor. To wake up an otherwise sleepy season, Weckesser suggests rich shades. To refresh your old pillows, replace the pillow cases with an option like the BeBen Velvet Throw Pillow Covers.
“I like to add jewel-colored pillows like emerald green, royal blue, eggplant purple or amber. Incorporating these colors will transform your summer décor from light and airy to warm and dimensional for the fall.”
$9 at Amazon
7. Opt for dried flowers instead of fresh blooms
Flower arrangements are not just for the spring and summer, says Weckesser. Swap out your fresh bouquets with dried bouquets, like The Bouq’s Co. Terracotta arrangement, to set the autumn tone.
“Adding dried florals and peacock feathers as centerpieces can be a great way to add an autumn edge to a table.”
Opt for fall foliage such as eucalyptus branches to help you transition to the winter season.
$99 at Bouqs
8. Try out a subscription decorating box
If the change of seasons has a habit of sneaking up on you, try ordering subscription boxes like ReadyFestive and Decorated. These collections of seasonal décor are sent straight to your home and are easy DIY decorating for when you need a little help.
Shop at ReadyFestive Decorated
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